Paper Title
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON GLACIERS OF THE ENGURI RIVER BASIN (GEORGIA)

Abstract
Abstract - The problem of changing the cryosphere is a priority for IPCC research. The UN adopted a special resolution on high mountain regions, in which the problem of the impact of climate change on glaciers and the risks associated with their degradation is assigned one of the main roles. Since the beginning of the 21st century, research on glaciers in Georgia has become increasingly important. On the ridge of the Greater Caucasus, (Georgian side) there are well-developed, rather high glaciers (the maximal elevations are up 5 200 m). In Georgia, due to the degradation of glaciers under the impact of climate change, a change in the water balance and degradation of landscapes and the growth of the natural disasters’ frequency and intensity of glacial origin have a place. The latter has resulted in material and human losses due to the retreat of large glaciers. Therefore, the impact of climate change on large glaciers is the subject of great interest. The paper presents the research outputs of the degradation of the Skhara glacier of the river Enguri glacial basin, one of the strongest glacial basins of Georgia. The degradation of the Shkhara glacier was studied with the application of satellite remote sensing data. This method allows us to study glacier degradation with appropriate resolution and accuracy in conditions of limited resources and time. Keywords - Glaciers of Georgia, Degradation, Climate Change, Satellite Remote Sensing.